Michigan State basketball earned another Big Ten win on Tuesday night, defeating Indiana inside of the Breslin Center, 81-60. While it wasn't always pretty, the Spartans used a 28-2 run in the second half to absolutely blow the doors off of the game, a game that was tied when the run started.
Defending home court is huge when it comes to conference play, and MSU was able to maintain that mantra. Working through some kinks, and early Carson Cooper foul trouble, made life difficult at times for the Spartans, but in the end, their defense ran supreme.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFollowing the win, and ahead of a west coast trip to Washington and Oregon, let's take a look at three takeaways from this game:
1. MSU needs this version of Jeremy Fears
Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr., left, gets the crowd pumped up after an Indiana timeout during the second half on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.Tonight, Fears was hungry to score the basketball, hunting his shot and being productive with the ball in his hands. Don't get me wrong, he is always productive with the ball, facilitating for teammates, but MSU is at its best when Fears is scoring in this capacity.
If we are being nitpicky, he settled for a couple too many threes, but majority of the night was Fears getting downhill and scoring in the paint.
2. Jordan Scott is ready for the moment, but don't extend him too much
Michigan State's Jordan Scott scores against Indiana during the second half on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.There is no secret about it, Jordan Scott is ready and able to be a major contributor in Big Ten play for this team. The true freshman showed it once again on Tuesday, scoring 11 points and playing stellar defense once again. Hustle plays are normal for Scott, and he is an asset for this Spartans team.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe freshman wall is real, though, and it is important for Izzo to be cautious with Scott over the next two months, making sure he has a good blend of play time while keeping his freshness and quality.
3. Kur Teng provides a much-needed boost to this team
Michigan State's Kur Teng makes a 3-pointer against Indiana during the first half on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.If Kur Teng continues the level of play he is on right now, he is the bona fide best shooting guard on this roster. His ability to shoot the three ball, with his adequate play on defense is the perfect combination for the MSU roster construction.
Adding a consistent three-point threat in a lineup that features Fears, Coen Carr, Jaxon Kohler and Cooper would open the floor tremendously and is something that needs to be a more consistent thing. If Teng keeps his play up, it will be MSU's best lineup.
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Three takeaways from Michigan State basketball's win over Indiana
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